Reprinted from:
mercola.com/2002/may/1/exercise_stroke.htm
Exercise Can Lower Risk of Death from Stroke
mercola.com
Men who are physically fit and maintain a regular aerobic exercise program are less likely to suffer a stroke than their sedentary peers.
According to the report, physical activity may reduce the risk of stroke, the third leading cause of death in the US, by lowering the risk of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
Men who were able to exercise for longer periods were less likely to have a stroke, compared with men who tired after short bouts of physical activity. The relationship remained regardless of their weight, smoking habits, alcohol intake or parents' history of heart disease, and whether they had high blood pressure or diabetes.
Specifically, men deemed the most aerobically fit were 68% less likely to have a stroke than their more out-of-shape peers, and men who were moderately fit were 63% less likely to suffer a stroke.
Not surprisingly, blood pressure and total cholesterol levels fell as fitness improved. The men who were the fittest were also the least likely to be obese, have diabetes and smoke cigarettes.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise April 2002;34:592-595
Reprinted from:
mercola.com/2002/may/1/exercise_stroke.htm